Texas Update

Life's been pretty crazy for the Weavers, which is why this blog has been neglected.  I started work on August the 20th and discovered the true meaning of traffic. At first I was having to drive from my parents which was a whopping 40 miles one way, which took me roughly an hour and 15 minutes to get to work. We found a place to live in the Keller area which is much closer to work, it should only take me 20 minutes to get there but with traffic it's 50 minutes on a good day, but I'm adjusting. 

We are enjoying our little home and will post more pictures when the inside actually looks like a home and not box land (it's getting there). It's hard to get motivated to unpack and decorate when you've just spent and hour fighting traffic trying to get home. It will get where I want it eventually.

 

Daniel has been working hard with FCA and they had their first big event a couple of weeks ago called Fields of Faith, many youth were in attendance and 31 placed their faith in Christ that night. It was a pretty cool evening. 

Since living in Texas, we have:

• Watched the Texas Rangers Play 
• Explored our new city
• Cheered on the Tide from Cowboy Stadium
• Experienced our first rodeo
• Found a good church 
• Conquered the State Fair
• Eaten a fried snickers
• Spent more time in our cars
• Become food snobs 

Just a few pics from our adventures  

Rangers Game

 

Roll Tide from Texas!

Exploring the Stock Yards

Our Home

 

Pintrest Project for our front porch

FCA Fields of Faith, at Southlake's Dragon Stadium

Pumpkin Painting

Texas State Fair also place of Daniels last college football game.

Daniel's First Ride on a Ferris Wheel

Fried Snickers, Only in Texas

Stay tuned for more adventures!

The Weavers

 

Frazzled Friday

This past Friday was one of the craziest Days we've had since we've been in Texas.  It was such an emotionally draining day. We went from valley low to Mountain high, with a lot of laughs in between. Before I get to Friday I must give back story.

You have to get your cars inspected in Texas to get licenses plates and we were in a huge hurry to do this since mine expired 4 days after moving.  We thought this would be a somewhat simple process annoying but doable. Monday after we moved we took my car to get inspected and were told they couldn't inspect it because we were still insured in Tennessee and our Texas insurance didn't kick in until 2 days later. No big deal we thought, so we waited two days and took it back. We were then told since my check engine light was on they couldn't inspect it because it would be an automatic failure, so we had to take it to get it fixed. Annoying but it had to be done to pass inspection. We take it to get fixed and the guy tells us the computer needs to replaced he'll have to keep it a week, it will be costly-welcome to Texas. So a week later (this past Thursday) my car is ready, with expired tags and all. We were just thankful to have it back. He tells us we need to drive it a few days for the computer to reset before we take it to get inspected. Hooray we have my car! Now to our insane Friday.

I had applied to so many jobs, the week we got to Texas I began to get calls about coming in for interviews, I didn't think it was wise in my unemployed state to turn any down so I went to them all. This past Friday I had 2 in one day and my sweet husband was kind enough to go with me since one was in Dallas and the other was in Ft. Worth. We decided to drive my car since the mechanic told us we needed to drive it before inspection. The first interview was was a less casual place so I planned to to wear one outfit and the later one was more conservative so I was going to change into a different outfit when I got back home. On a whim I thought "I better bring the second outfit, just in case." We went to the interview in Dallas and I knew right off I didn't want to work there so I was ready to go.  We left the interview and were trying to go get my car inspected before the other interview. We were on a very busy interstate in Dallas when my car decided to die while we were in the middle lane and cars are zooming past.  We managed to get over and coast down an exit into a parking lot, shaken and aggravated, so much for getting it inspected. Thankfully my parents office wasn't too far away so my dad came and we called a tow to haul it back to the place we had just picked it up from the day before.

 By this time I had to leave for the other interview so we borrowed my dads car and headed to Ft Worth from Dallas. I was still in my casual clothes so I needed to stop and change. I told Daniel to pull into a gas station he was like "that's gross gas stations are nasty," I said  "I'll be fine I'm brave." I take my nice clothes  in this bathroom and almost puke when I turn the light on, there was poop everywhere, no joke. I'm not as brave as I thought so I quickly change while gagging profusely and got out of there without checking my appearance,  I was 5 minutes early for the next interview so I ask a lady where the bathroom was, I got out of the other one so fast I wanted to make sure I at least looked put together.  I went down this long hall to the bathroom, once in view if the mirror I noticed something didn't look right. I realized my dress zipper had been broken in my mad dash out of the poop bathroom. At this point I was panicked, I had just walked down a very long hall no telling who saw what, and there was no way I could go in the interview as is. I had left my phone with Daniel and I obviously wasn't going to walk back to get my change of clothes. Miraculously I somehow managed to fix the zipper (totally God) and was on my way to the interview very frazzled, but on time. What a day.

God was looking out for me because I cannot tell you how embarrassed I would have been of I hadn't gone to that bathroom to see that my zipper had been broken, and I definitely wouldn't have gotten that job, which I did.  So what a crazy time we had had in Texas thus far, but at least we have gotten some good stories out of it.  I start my new job at Southwestern Seminary next Monday, I am currently at the beach with my Mom and sister while Daniel is back in Texas getting my car situation worked out, so I have a working, legal car to drive on my first day of work, he's a jewel!

3 Years

Daniel and I celebrated 3 years of wedded bliss yesterday. 3 years! The time has flown. This anniversary was a lot like 3 years ago when we got married and moved to Memphis. Moving to a new state is stressful, not quite sure why we like to do that around the same time as weddings and anniversaries, I just hope we end that tradition soon. Last night we went to Maggianos little Italy, very good and we loved that they give you a take away meal, so fun! We also watched our Wedding DVD which I think is pretty hilarious and awkward all at once, but it was the best day despite the rain. We plan to continue the anniversary celebration this weekend when we explore Ft. Worth.

This is the only picture we took of us yesterday, it's a little awkward but that's us. 

Our sweet waitress decorated our dessert. 

Trials and Texas

After a very long and trying day, we finally made it to Texas. I woke up yesterday morning and mistakenly told Daniel this move wasn't as stressful as the last, but I was very wrong. Everything started going downhill after we realized we should have gotten a bigger truck, we somehow accumulated a lot of stuff in our short 3 years of marriage. We ended up having to go back and getting a trailer (the last trailer they had). Thankfully we have a lot of amazing Memphis friends who helped cram everything we had in that truck/trailer. After we got everything loaded and we were doing some last minute stuff in the apartment, the smoke detector decided it would sound and it wouldn't turn off. By this time we were frazzled ready to hit the road.  Daniel had originally said he wanted to be on the road by 8:30 a.m. but it ended up being 11:00, we were just thankful to be on the road.

Since we are camping out at my parents until we find a place and I find a job, we put everything in storage, that also turned out to be a nightmare. I learn the valuable lesson that you should always ask for email conformation and get everything in writing. I ended up being charged when I was told I was not going to be and they ended up somehow "misplacing" one of my storage unit confirmations. I'm still a little mad over it and not everything has been worked out with it, but we're just thankful to be here safe and sound.

Exciting night planned tomorrow night as we watch the Rangers take on the Angels from box seating.

On to the Next Chapter.

As we embark on the next chapter in our lives, I am grateful for the people God has brought us during our time in Memphis. When we got here 3 years ago, this place wasn't home, but somewhere along the way we've grown attached. Not attached to Memphis, but the people who are here. We've become comfortable. Now it's time for us to get out of our cozy little environment and go on a new adventure. This is exciting, but at the same time makes us a little nervous. For me, I've grown accustom to my job. I knew what to do there and I get a little nervous thinking about having to learn a new place, new people, a whole new process. At the same time I'm excited about exploring a new city, and I am thrilled that Daniel will be doing something he will love, the good trumps the bad.

As I get older I have discovered that life is so much like a good book, there are many chapters, some longer than others, filled many characters, some who you love right away and others you grow to love. Like a good book every chapter comes to an end and even though you're not quite sure what the next will bring, you know the author does. We are following God on this journey, knowing that he has authored the path before us.

Thanks for the memories Memphis, it's been fun. 

Manic Monday

Last week we headed down south to visit some of Daniel's family before the big move. We started in Huntsville and made our way down to Mobile. We got to stop along the way at some favorites, the Peach Park being one of them. We had a great time on this world-win trip and I sadly had to come back a few days earlier than the husband.

It's always hard to go back to work after having been off for a few days, but it was even harder knowing Daniel would be gone, and that I was about to turn in my notice at work. This particular Monday got off to an even harder start than I thought it would. After struggling to get up on time, I finally I managed to get ready and get out the door with notice in hand, only to find that my car was dead as a door-nail. Of all weeks for this to happen it had to be when Daniel was gone. What I thought would be a simple fix turned out to be quite an ordeal, but thankfully we have some great friends that took care of me and my dead car. After a few hours everything worked out and my car is now running great.    

I did turn in my resignation notice that was damp with humidity by the time I got it to work, but it got the point across. My last day at will be July 26, so hard to believe we will be moving in 2.5 weeks! We are so excited to see what God has in store for us in Texas.  

Cleaning Out

While we wait on the big Texas move, I've started cleaning out things before we start packing. I've been finding really humorous stuff and wondered why I ever saved these things, but thankful I did just for a good laugh.

I've found a few old toys that I can't part with, prom dresses I will never wear so now they sit in the donation box. I found funny notes from high school friends and found myself wondering where the time went. I've found silly pictures and funny journal entries, but most of all I've found evidence of past joy. So thankful for the past and the memories made but so excited about making new memories in Texas.

Last weekend we went to see Madagascar 3. After spending the whole movie dreaming about the good old days in the New York City Zoo, Alex and his friends finally made it back to realize the zoo was a lot smaller and not as glamorous as they remembered. They determined that if they never left the zoo they would have missed out on some amazing adventures. I know it's a kids movie but it so applies to us, we've been so cozy and are about to have to step out of our coziness, but I think about the new adventure that lies ahead and what we would be missing out on if we just stayed in our comfort zone.

Just some random thoughts. In other news I got to spend a few days with this cutie and his parents this past week while Daniel went to a fundraising training. I wanted to take him home with me but my sister declined my offer. :)

What's Next for the Weavers?

When Daniel Started seminary 3 years ago, the thought always lingered in the back of our minds "What Next?" we tried not to worry about it, live our lives actually living and not waiting. We soon got comfortable in our seminary housing, in our tiny commute across the street to our comfy jobs, we were just enjoying the day to day, Daniel studied a lot and I did whatever I did. Then one day I woke up and realized Daniel's graduation was fast approaching and that lingering thought grew louder and louder with every questioning person asking what our plan was. "What are you going to do?" they would ask, and we didn't know, which began to weigh heavily upon us.

Then one day I got a text message from my husband, which said, "I think I know what God is leading me to do." Since he wouldn't tell me via text, panic invoked me, I began to prepare myself for life in a 3rd world country, would we have to sell everything? (why is it that I always jump to the most dramatic scenario?).  When I got home for lunch he said with his football background and his love of outreach he felt lead to work with sports outreach. It clicked in my mind, it was a perfect fit. I was excited, a start of a plan! We would have something to tell those questioning people at last. But it was only a plan, not a reality...

Until the next day. I've heard it said that God takes his time but when he moves it's fast, and this was the case for us. Daniel was at school and passed a classmate in the hall and they said hello and not much else, but as the classmate passed by he turned back around and said "Hey Daniel, are you still looking for a job?" of course the answer was yes, and then that's when God did something only he could. The classmate said, you should check FCA out (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) they are hiring. FCA is a sports outreach ministry, this classmate had no idea of the conversation Daniel and I had just the day before in our little seminary kitchen, or that Daniel had been struggling with this decision, but God used this classmate and how thankful we are. 

Daniel sent his resume, to a couple of different FCA offices, and within 10 minutes FCA Ft. Worth responded (this is a big deal because Daniel sent so many resumes out without anyone ever even acknowledging he sent one.) The guy wanted to talk to him, and in his e-mail he said P.S. my daughter graduates in May from Alabama, this made these Alabama Alumni happy. God's in the details. 

So after a few weeks and us seeing God work and move in only ways he can, we finally have something to tell people when they ask that question "What are you guys going to do next," and our reply will be, we will be working for FCA in Fort Worth, Texas. 

So now our new adventure begins and we're having to step out on faith in many ways, since this is a new position in Ft. Worth, Daniel is having to raise financial support for his position before he can start, but we know that where God guides he provides and he's already done some amazing things. 

10 Year Anniversary of Sweet 16

Tomorrow I turn 26, I realized it will mark 10 years since I turned 16 and I suddenly felt so old! Not that 26 is old, but I so vividly remember that 16th birthday and how excited I was to get my first cell phone, my drivers licenses and permission to officially date. I remember thinking, "I'm going to eat this chocolate cake", which was a big deal at the time because every calorie I ate was accounted for. 

 As I sit here thinking about what all has happened since the picture above I think about all the great things that have taken place and I can't help but thank God for all the many blessings in my life.

One of which is this little guy...

 Samuel Douglas Phillips, is my precious nephew he's so much better than any doll my sister and I ever played with. We are crazy about this kid!

Can't wait to get back to Alabama for my next visit with him and his parents! But in the meantime I'll be eating cake and enjoying year 26. 

Easter 2012

Just a few pictures from Easter. We went to Alabama for the long weekend and enjoyed spending time with family. I didn't take a whole lot of pictures but here are a few. 

On the way to Alabama we saw a double full rainbow. 

My sister and nephew (who will be here in less than 2 weeks!)

Daniel his brother and dad

Daniel and I on Easter Sunday

Daniel and his mom. 

Waiting

What are you waiting for? We are all waiting on something, are we not? The end of the work day, the weekend, a spouse, the birth of a baby, a new job opportunity, graduation. We find ourselves waiting, I feel like we wait more than we live. We are so anxious for what is to come, we don't stop and enjoy where we are, the gift of "now" God has given us. 

I'm learning that when God promises you something and it doesn't happen right away, the time you wait is God's time of preparing, equipping, and perfecting. So if God is in control of our waiting and the outcome, we have nothing to be anxious about. 

Enjoy the moment that God has given you. 

Don't be anxious about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Cooking and a Bit of Running

After a long day at work it's always nice to come home (at a reasonable hour) and cook a good meal. I love to cook but usually on weeknights I try and make something quick, preferably healthy and good.

So often when I make healthy food the taste is lacking, but thanks to Pintrest, I came across what has become one of my favorite blogs, it's called skinnytaste.com. I always visit this blog before I go grocery shopping because everything I have tried form here has be so good and best of all healthy (although you can't tell it's healthy).

Tonight I made Turkey Sausage and Tomato sauce over pasta which was quick and tasty.

Find the recipe here: http://bit.ly/gxVyLQ

After I put down these carbs I went for a nice long run while Daniel did school work. I'm loving having extra daylight when I get home from work, makes me feel like I can accomplish more.

March

A goal of mine this year was to blog more and I'm failing at this, probably because the Weaver Residence has been a busy one. Daniel turned 26 a few weeks ago and we celebrated by taking a trip to Oxford Ms. to watch Alabama's last regular season basketball game, they lost but we still had a good time. I also had his Alabama jersey framed, we just have to find a good place for it.

The next weekend we headed to Alabama for my sisters' baby shower,we were excited to see most everyone and can't wait forour nephew to be here in early May.

Daniel was on spring break for the past two weeks, it wasn't a huge break because he had projects to do and papers to write, but he only has 7 weeks left before he graduates. We can't believe how fast the past 3 years have flown by!

This past weekend my sister and her husband came to visit for one of their last Memphis visit before baby Phillips comes. We had fun just hanging out and doing some shopping.

March was busy but fun and we look forward to a full and exciting Spring.

Memphis Adventures

We moved to Memphis almost 3 years ago and we still find Memphis restaurants or places we haven't experienced yet. So on this beautiful Saturday we decided to get out and explore. We found ourselves in Harbor Town, ate at Little Cafe Eclectic, and then ventured to The Cheese Cake Corner. We had a fun afternoon and I'm glad that we ventured out instead of spending the day in. I loved the Charm of Harbor Town, the Chicken Melt at Cafe Eclectic, and the Simplicity/Deliciousness of the Cheese Cake Corner. It was the perfect day to get out an explore Memphis.

Harbor Town, so quaint

Little Cafe Eclectic

We ate lunch by this cool tree.

I had to try this place at least once and it was worth the drive downtown

We had a hard time deciding, there were so many good choices

I'm thankful for a sweet husband who is willing to go on adventures with me, and who will drive around a shady part of Memphis for 15 minutes trying to find a park so his wife can satisfy her hankering for some good Memphis Cheesecake. We had a fun exploring on this Saturday.

Something Special

They say football is just a game, and really it is. But when the Crimson Tide play, it’s something special. Yes, they play dominate football, and have a great coach, but for me it’s more than just football. When I watch the Crimson Tide, I’m not just pulling for my team, I’m pulling for my school. Watching this game, I am always reminded of my beloved Alma Mater.

It’s at the University of Alabama, I learned to be independent, it’s where I met my husband, and learned the art of design, it’s UA that prepared me for my career, and so much more.

When I watch this team play I am reminded of the excitement of Game Day, there’s no place like Tuscaloosa on Game Day, or the Quad on a picture perfect Spring day. So many amazing things happened there, unforgettable memories made, important life choices determined.

I guess you just don’t know unless you’ve been there yourself, but trust me, once you’ve experienced The University of Alabama, it can change your life.

So whenever I see that sea of crimson take the field, yes they are playing just a game, but that game takes me back to something special.

Roll Tide.

The Year of New Possibilities

Well I had full intention of blogging about all the good things of 2011 but instead something good from 2008 came to mind.

The night before Daniel and I got engaged in 2008 he told me he felt led to attend seminary somewhere. I knew he was thinking about maybe doing classes online then finishing up on campus at some point but it came as somewhat of a shock that later was actually going to be sooner.

In my mind we would graduate college get married move to Birmingham and live happily ever after. Then reality hit, we were about to graduate, get married, and move away. As soon as the shock came, a message I had heard just a week before during our college worship service came as well, it came from Deuteronomy 31:8 it says,

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

The timing of hearing that message was no coincidence I knew that even in the unknown of where we would go God would be going before us, and looking back he did. He provided Daniel and I jobs in fashion that only he could, he provided tuition money, friends, and even small things like furniture for our apartment, He we before us and he provided.

As we stare at this new year many changes are to come. The main thing is Daniel is graduating from seminary in May, we are exciting about new possibilities but we stare once again at the unknown. Where will we be this time next year? Still here? Somewhere else? We don't know, but God does.

Just as he went before us back in 2009 he will go before us in 2012, I was reminded of this today as our pastor chose to use this verse in his sermon, what a fitting reminder for this year, the year of new possibilities.

Us on move-in day in 2009 learning that "Where God guides he provides"